Meet the unstoppable juggernaut of French rap, Jul. If you're French, you likely know about him – it's like not recognizing the Eiffel Tower or being unfamiliar with footie sensation Kylian Mbappé.
This unassuming dude with his sun-kissed locks and beard is the architect of some of Marseille's most iconic concert halls, boasts a bank roll big enough to sponsor his beloved Olympique Marseille football club, and has broken way too many records to name. His music struck gold in just about every album he released (at least half a mill sold per pop), hooking millions of listeners in France – and counting.
Since 2014, Jul's been dropping summer and winter releases like a boss, collectively christening him the production machine of the French rap scene. He's even covered hit tunes by the likes of Aqua and Michael Jackson, daring to rock the rap realm like no other.
His fans, primarily those within the 30-something age bracket, love Jul's zest for life. In his songs, he revels in the simplicity of everyday pleasures: bromances, ladies, cars, scooters, and a spliff or two with friends. What sets him apart from other rappers is the freshness in his approach – less about luxury and more about the joys of life.
Jul's success, however, comes with a fair share of trials. In 2015, a dispute led him to part ways with his first record company. Despite the drama, he kept the show going, joining forces with a small team to create his label, D'or et de Platine, boasting just one artist: Jul himself. He's been selling out merchandise and even streaming free tracks through social media, a tactic that's tightly woven the creator and his community.
Ironically, marrying the mainstream with the street, Jul is adored by the masses. They're drawn to his nonchalant yet meticulous demeanor, a guy who'd rather kick back with his mates watching the footie than pumping iron in the gym. His success in Germany may just be around the bend, as the German music scene shows signs of enthusiasm for his music.
Whether Jul conquers Germany remains to be seen, but his personal achievements and humble demeanor have won him a special place in the hearts of his French fans.
Jul's music often reflects the diverse influences of various cities, including Marseille and Ibiza. To immerse yourself in his music, you can check out his tracks on Spotify. In France, Jul's status has been unsurpassed, having maintained the top spot in YouTube views since 2010. Gerhands too have been captivated by his music, contributing to his international recognition. No wonder he's a French phenomenon.
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- Enrichment data
